Garlits and Stock Class Racing
 

Don't know how many watch ESPN3 racing coverage, but last night Friday qualifying show, Garlits was in the booth with Paul Page and Mike Dunn. They were playing around with Twitter. Someone posed the question to Garlits if he had an unlimited money sponsorship would he go back to race top fuel. His response was no that he had made a promise to his wife not to run fuel again. He commented that he was having so much fun with the stocker. He said that racing a stocker was not easy in fact if any fueler thought it was easy they should post a number on the window, stage the car, and run off of that dial. Trying to be either under or dead on at the top end side by side. Of course Mike Dunn laught and Garlits set him straight that it is not easy to race those cars and be on at the stripe. I know there are not many people here who speak very kindly of Garlits, but, over years of knowing him, these comments, if ESPN2 does not cut this part of his time out, can not hurt sportsman racing particularly Stock and Superstock

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Why would people not speak kindly of him?

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I have always found Big to be pleasant and cordial
regards

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Spoke to him in the lanes a couple of years ago when he first came out with his stocker. Told me he was having more fun than T/F, due to their taking the driver out of the race with timers and such. That we sportsman should get way more coverage on TV and was totally sincere in his statements.

I grew up admiring all kinds of different individuals, and really respect a whole bunch of other people, but really never had a most favorite. That changed that day with Mr. Garlits.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA class is class

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Great guy! I had a great time running him in the first round of stock at last year's Supernationals. We were pitted near each other became friendly as well. He signed the time slip from our run too!

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X6

I think over the years people may have confused Mr. Garlits intensity with aloofness. He was always focused on whatever job was at hand, and tuning and driving a TF car is serious business. I'm glad to see that he has found some enjoyment in racing in Stock Class, because I never expected to be able to race against him in a fueler. :D

Lew

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Okay, I guess I had some misconceptions. My memory is not much good anymore but I recalled some who did not like the idea of Garlits having the stock car in the class races. I do recall some who thought that it might bring and interest in class racing to the specators. Don is really a gentle giant these days; however, he still will express his opinion, and quiet strong at times. He and his wife Pat have dedicated their whole life to the sport of drag racing.

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Me also... I've visited w/ Donald on more than a few occasions through my years (business and racing), and he's Always been cordial, and he's always been a gentleman.

IMO - a lot of pro-racers should have taken lessons from him on how to treat the public.

I'll always be a fan!

Larry

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I live 25 miles from Don's museum and when he hosts the Mopar's with Big Daddy event, it draws Mopars and vendors from all over the US.

Don is always friendly, glad to talk and sign autographs.

He is a great guy and a real legend !

JimR

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X7

Always approachable, sincere and cordial!

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Big Daddy has 2 DPs, the latest one is a V10.

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I hope MoPar is giving them to Garlits for all he has done for them

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When Big was winning all the time, as usual, people wanted to see him loose or someone else win. He was in it to win it.. Not much time to socialize.

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Don Garlits epitomizes what a Champion should be by his behavior. He is the perfect example for future champions to follow, always has the time for his fans, still loves the sport that brought fame and bread on the table for his family and himself. Here's an example of what I'm talking about. Two years ago I was at Indy and roaming the staging lanes when the stockers were called up, Big Daddy was out of his car and looking around at the competition when his attention moved thowards a Red Mustang (fox body) convertible 4speed, he started checking the car up and down(looking under it on his knees) and was even more impress when he found out the driver was a woman, he started joking and telling the driver how he enjoyed rowing through the gears. What was great great was the pure enjoyment that he showed his fellow racer and I'm sure that has made her day and her career.lol I'm sure when competing in TF he didn't have as much time as he does now for fans(he did most if not all the works) between rounds but I remember him taking the time to talk to fans and friends just the same. Claude Ruel

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[QUOTE=chris3racing;336439] Of course Mike Dunn laught and Garlits set him straight that it is not easy to race those cars and be on at the stripe.

Maybe Mike Dunn should try it if it's so easy.

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We met BIG at a car show 20 years ago ,several times since. The world would be a better place if there were more people as polite and genuine. The fact he is the greatest drag racer ever is secondary.---Trevor

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I got the chance to meet big at norwalk back in the 90's when bruce larson was driving for him. I was shoveling sand with him to dry up his pit area asked him several questions about racing also got to meet his wife and crew was a highlite for me.

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I was in Garlits' pit area at this years Gatornats,and I can say without any doubt,Big Daddy is having fun with the stock eliminator cars.He is serious about winning also,he is not there just to go down the track.His competitive fire is still there,and for being 80 years old,I think he is just as competitive in that Challenger as he was in the fuelers.

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I had the great pleasure of meeting Big at Englishtown many years ago and he spoke with me as a fellow racer, he could not have been more genuine and kinder.

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Randall, I think the cars are on loan to Big. And that is earned. But then I got one on loan too, matter of fact Big drove it at a press shoot after the Gators last year. Ran 9.50's. I figure he will run the V10 car, it seems to back to back better than the V8's until you get the computer working right.

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Jeff, Don told me that he received #1 out of the store and he paid for it, probably the v10 could be another story and you're probably better informed than most. Hope your lovely side kick is doing better and that your walking with no problem between the refrigerator and the front porch. Claude

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Don Garlits and Chris Karamasines had burgers on the grill at our
house in Oregon back in 1981. They both said my burgers were
great. So,.... both of them are ace high in my book. ;>D